Thelma “Irene” Schilling, 77, of Sweet Home went to be with the Lord Friday, September 30th. Irene was surrounded by her family in the days preceding her death and died in the comfort of home. She was born in Larnard, Kansas to Sidney Christopher and Iva Lorene (Williams) Hilliard.

Irene lived in Bluejacket, Oklahoma before moving to Sweet Home in 1958. She married Victor Schilling in 1961. In 1979, they moved to Fort Bragg, California where she lived with her family for 16 years before moving back to Sweet Home.

Irene was a devout Southern Baptist who was loving and committed to her family, making sure they all knew the Lord.

She is survived by: her devoted husband of 50 years, Victor; daughters, Linda Duran (and her husband, Willie), Sidney Marks (and her husband, Brad), and Vicky Arreguin, all of Sweet Home; son, Darrell (and his wife, Marion) of Sweet Home; 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Irene was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, James Hilliard; and sister, Margaret Foust.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Sweet Home. Final burial will take place at Liberty Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.